Monday, May 10, 2010

Anyone remember that old PSA on the Saturday morning cartoons that went, "You are what you eat, from your head down to your feet...?" The more I learn about food, gardening, and cooking and the more I read about research into food, the true I believe that statement is.

I recently ran across this post on the Wild Yeast Blog that talks about the health benefits of sourdough bread. As a carb-phobic generation, we don't usually associate delicious crusty bread with being healthful. Instead, we mentally place it into a category with ice cream, candy, and Oreos. However, sourdough is made through natural fermentation processes--very similar to the processes and involving some of the same beneficial bacteria as active-culture yogurt, wine, and beer.

We've all heard the studies about red wine and its health benefits (a glass a day will keep the doctor away, or something like that). And you can't watch TV without seeing Jamie Lee Curtis on an Activia commercial. Apparently, someone recently did a similar study to the wine study in an extremely healthful village in a remote area of Greece and came up with a similar conclusion that sourdough bread can help us lead long and healthful lives (along with 10 other factors including reducing stress).

I love when a seemingly "bad" food like wine, chocolate, or almonds are shown to be healthy through scientific studies. It shows us that focusing on the latest dietary "fad," be it reduction in saturated fats, cholesterol, refined sugar, or any host of other ingredients, is not nearly important as learning to eat a balanced diet of less-processed, more authentic foods and to and follow an, "everything in moderation," philosophy.

Heck, who wouldn't want to be part of a community where 1 out of every 3 people live past 90? I know I would.

(Okay, so you caught me. That's not a sourdough boule shown above--it's a wheat round. Sorry, but it's all I had available without stealing something from the web.)

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My name is Justin. I'm an ordinary 30-something guy with a real passion for food but no formal culinary training. I love exploring food in my home kitchen and all that it offers. I love finding solutions to cooking challenges and sharing them with other home cooks. Cooking doesn't have to be difficult. We can all eat well working within our abilities and budgets. Join me on my food adventure!